The phone rings.
Rrriinnnnggggggg! Or nowadays it may be a doorbell sound, dogs barking,
a theme song to notify you a call is coming in.
It’s Grandma! She is inviting
the family on a summer family beach vacation with your siblings and nieces and
nephews and cousins. YAY! That is the good news for most. But for some, the worry of close quarters
with many personalities may be sinking in after you accept. To ease the tension, offer to help look for
the right property for your Big Fat Multi-Generational Get-Together. |
| When you book a home with your extended family make sure that you think ahead of booking to get the right house. |
Ask these questions:
1. Can you all sit at the dining table or will you be eating in multiple spots- kitchen nook, dining table, pop up tables, folding tables, outdoor picnic tables or in different rooms or on different decks?
2. When you sleep can you shut down a part of the house that people want and need their sleep and still have the party going on for the night owls?
3.
Are the multiple spaces to gather in for the
different generations to escape the children’s romper room activities or the elders’
politics?1. Can you all sit at the dining table or will you be eating in multiple spots- kitchen nook, dining table, pop up tables, folding tables, outdoor picnic tables or in different rooms or on different decks?
2. When you sleep can you shut down a part of the house that people want and need their sleep and still have the party going on for the night owls?
4. Do you have choices on being outdoors in separate spaces with some views or have access fun outdoor activities to do at your fingertips?
5. Does your location allow the teens to get out on their own to explore and have fun on their own in a safe area without too much hustle bustle or traffic?
6. What is walking or biking distance? Can you grab a bite to eat, or hit a Happy Hour? Can you pick up beach gear or rent water sports gear close by? Is the grocery near you? Bike or fishing rentals or shopping?
7. If you have a cool day is there a park nearby that can keeps the kids happy and the water sport enthusiasts busy?
8. Do you have plenty of things to do in the house if you have poor weather and don’t want to battle the swamped roads to go out to shop?
9. Is there extra parking nearby so when the clan ALL drive their own cars from all over the country they can park nearby?
10. Does your homeowner allow catered celebrations if you don’t want to cook and have some extras popping in for the day or an overnight?
 |
| Make the effort to get everyone together from year to year. Life is short, enjoy it! |
Our open floor plan at Beach House Retreats on LBI, NJ (personal website) extends
the kitchen into the living room allows everyone to be part of the conversation
during meal prep. It is a great way to
find extra hands if you are the cook 😊. The dining table seats 20+. The table is great for meals, game night,
crafts or the classic happy hour where everyone ends up in the kitchen talking.
We have a great home that sleeps up to 20 with 8 1/2 bedrooms
and 2 living rooms that each have pullouts.
The second floor is perfect for the sleepers. When the party is going to go on into the night,
let the early birds head to bed on the second floor and shut the door.
We love that we can offer multiple places to gather or hide
to get away from that crazy relative. The younger kids can head to the second floor living
room to watch some movies on the 60-inch flat screen TV and allow the grownups to
carry on in first floor living room/kitchen with the fridge and 42 inch TV.
Let’s get outside and enjoy the salt air and sounds
now! The back yard has a large dining table
and outdoor living room area. We have some
fun outdoor games to keep you entertained.
The 4th floor rooftop deck has you high in the sky with the
stars and ocean views that are amazing. The huge dining table and outdoor living room up here is another great place to
hang out.  |
Make sure you have options so everyone has fun!
|
Whether it is day or night the hot tub is a bonus when the weather is cool, or the sky is shooting stars! Many will soak in the hot tub
before bedtime to assure a good night sleep.
Our location is great for kids. We are on a dead-end block. Bring the bikes for the kids to ride. We are in a quiet part of the island that
doesn’t get much traffic and has access to the bike lane on Beach Ave. that
will take you to most parts of the island south of the bridge without being on
the Blvd. The kids will love going to Liberta Pizza on their own to grab a pie. If bringing the bikes was too much to handle
the Acme Surf and Sport shop has bikes, elliptical bikes , SUP's, and kayaks to rent.
Now what is around for the grown ups you ask? Nardi's Tavern has a great best
priced Happy Hour. Apps and
drinks are fantastic. Check their music options and enjoy tables outside to dine at weather permitting.
Pinky’s Shrimp have the best fresh seafood and perfect sized portions to
get day 2 meal out of the box! If candy is your thing hit up Stutz's Candies right up the street. A Sweet Memory Bakery has a few delicious breakfast options and some tasty desserts. Our Acme has everything you will need to
feed the hungry crew. The Acme also is
the hub for the shuttle and has tennis courts for your use. Skipper Dipper Ice Cream will have the clan
smiling ear to ear with their favorite flavor or when they find a new favorite. They have an ever-changing flavor menu that
is to die for! Grab a custom-made ice cream cake here for your celebrations. If you need a unique gift or something nice
as a souvenir head over to the Garden State Art and Surf Shop. They have some nice handmade items. If you like woodwork and pen and inks, check
out their selection.
Bayview Park is walking distance from Beach House Retreats on LBI, NJ (facebook page). You have many options of fun
here for all ages and for your dog! On
the bayside you have volleyball, a bay beach, windsurf/sail area, playground,
picnic area, parking, gazebos with music 3 nights a week and public a bath
house. On the middle block you have
pickleball courts, basketball courts, bocce ball, parking, gazebos, benches to
watch the court games, public bathrooms and a dog park. The oceanside has a handicapped ramp over the
dune for some nice ocean views.
We supply many games, puzzles, books and cooking gear that
can keep the group amused no matter what the weather holds for your week. If you love to cook and bake we have the
kitchen gear you need, if you can’t find it ask us. Ask us about Geocaching if you like to be
outdoors and do scavenger hunts!
We can handle between 6-8 cars parked in the yard. Right up the street we have a parking strip
for any extras that may need to be nearby for the day or just to allow more
room at the house. Many park 3 cars that
are the errand cars and put the others up the block to have the lane for game
space.
Our other name is The Wed and Bed Milestone Event Planning (personal website with info on Beach House Retreats and The Wed and Bed offering). We can handle all kinds celebrations for our
guests. We have had several bachelorette
weekends, wedding stays, destination weddings on our beach, birthdays, reunions
and anniversary parties. Since we come from a large family we know that
having a large crew can take time and energy to put together a fun vacation
visit. We take the pressure off and give
you options, so you too can enjoy the getaway.
Some week/end guests want nothing to do with cooking. Having our catering options makes the mini
getaway a breeze. Please keep us
informed on head count so we are prepared of extras that may show up.
Email: Qtdesignz@comcast.net with week and catering needs if
any to book ASAP. Big Homes Book FAST! Please let us know how we can help get your
multi-generational reunion vacation started! Feel free to call us at: 609-947-1377 www.LBIRetreats.com
